Dry valve.



F. A. PHELPS. DRY VALVE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 19. 1906.

Patented Dec. '7, 1909.

WITNESSES: lIVI/ENTOI? k ATTORNEY awe F. A. PHELPS.

1m: VALVE. 2 APPLICATION FILED APR. 19. 1906.

Patented Deal, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SEEET 2 Fig.3.

HVI/ENTUR ATTORNEY F. A. PHELPS.

DRY VALVE. -A PPLIOATIOH FILED APR. 19. 1906 42 1 Patented Dec. 7, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3 Fig.5 4:

W/IIVESSES:

ATTORNEY UNITED srarnsrarnm WWW? FRED ATHELPS, or LAooNIA, NEW HAMPSHIRE. f

a VDRYI VALVE;

To all whom it mag concern: I j,;

Be it known that I, Flinn A. PI-IELrs, Laconia, county of Bellmap, and State of New Hampshire,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Dry Valves, and do hereby declare the following, in connection with the accompanying drawings, to be a full and clear description of my in- "ention. M

My invention relates to that type of sprinklingsystems in which 1 the system pipes are normally .iree of water, but instead contain air under compression, and in which the supply or water to the system is controlled by a so-c'a-lled dry valve ordinarily located at the base of the riser, the operation of which is automatic upon a certain predetermined variation of air pressure in the system.

()no object of my inventionis a dry valve of few parts, strong and simple in structure, certain and effective in operation, and particularly designed to provide unimpeded passage therethrough for the water.

Another objectiof my invention is an im-.

proved dry valve-adapted to betested readily as to its operative condition without necessitating passage of water to the system.

Again an object of my invention is a dry valve in which the control of the water valve is effected by a peculiar and novel system of connections withthe air valve,

whereby the operation of the air valve at the right pressure is certain,-a nd the release of'the waterzvalve complete and substantially instantaneous. e A' further object of my invention is a valve, the working parts of which are thoroughly protected from interference or injury through leakage, by av novel system of drainage. I

Still another object of my, invention is a "valve the working parts of which are all inv closed. and thoroughly protected within a single body piece, so constructed however as to pcrmitp-f readyaccess toisuch working.

partsfor inspection or resetting {a}...

Other objects of my invention .Will: pres entlyappearc. a

Having ,set' forth the objects nature of myinvention, I will no'wdescribe the same .in the which- 1 Figure 1, is a view in cross sectional elevation of the valve as assembled and set. Fig. 2, is a similar .view showing the'parts V Specification (if-Letters Patent. Application filer; a rir191e0e Serial a... 31 2;6g;' p 5 accompanying drawings in tion of the system. pFig. 3, is a top-gplan, view on the line 3-3 ofFig. :1, the-shield 7 being removed. Fig. 4, is a view on the line 44 of Fig. 1, looking toward the air valve. Fig. 5, is a bottom plan view of the lever 35. Figs. 6, and 7, a e detail views showing means for holding the main or water valve elevated.

Referring to the drawings, the body lot the valve is shown as provided with a flanged opening 2 for connection with the water supply pipe and with a flanged opening 3 for connection with the system riser. 7 It is also provided with a drain outlet 4 for draining the system through the opening 3 and for taking off the water from the supply pipe when the valve is-being tested, as hereinafter to be described. A hand hole 7 5 '5 and cover 6 therefor in the body. of the valve permits of access thereinto inresetting the check valve after operation, and a hinged as at 8 or otherwisemiovshield I able permits of access to the air valve and .its connections. In the riser 9 above the valve is shown a normally open gate valve 10 for cutting off communication with the system during testing or at other times, and in the water supply pipe 11 below the valve 35 is shown a second normally open gate valve 12 for cutting off the water supply during resetting or when desired. A third gate valve. 13 is provided in the drain pipe 14 and is normally testing ,or to drain the system.

The interior of the body 1 of the dry valve is comprised of three compartments 15, 16 and 17. The compartment15 is normally in open communication with-the sys- 95 tom and it is with this chamber that' the drain 4 communicates when the valve 13 is open. Between the chambers 15' and 16 is the check valve 18 hinged at- 19 and nor mally maintained closed'as shownin: 'FigwIroo by the airlpressurez in the system, bnjt ad-a' the valve 20 is likewise closed and outtitthe closed, being open during I ed wheni actuated-by the water presentote path of the water during operation of the system. The water supply inlet to the. chamber 16 is normally closed as shown in Fig. 1 by the main or water valve 22. This valve, however, upon operation of the sys tem assumes the position shown in Fig. 2 entirely out of the path of the passing water. There is a passage 23 between the chambers 16 and 17, and this passage is normally open as shown in Fig. 1. The passage is controlled, however, by a valve 24. in the present instance shown as a double valve with the valve 22 and mounted on a single valve rod or strut 25 with the water valve. It will be seen upon reference to Fig. 2 that upon the automatic operation of the dry valve the passage 23 between the chambers 16 and 17 is closed by the valve The chamber 16 is provided with a normally open drain 26, controlled, however, by a check valve 27. As shown in Fig. 2 the valve 27 is closed during operation of the system. The chamber 17 is likewise provided with a normally open drain 28, the drains 26 and 28 in the present instance communicating with a (30111111011 off-take 29. It will be seen that the drain 28 by reason of the passage 23 might serve the chamber 16 as Well as the chamber 17.

Coming now to the operative connections between the air or controller valve and the main or water valve it will be noted that the strut or water valve stem 25 is loosely attached at 30 to the water valve and passes up through the opening 21), terminating in the chamber 17 in arounded or spherical end 31. Secured within the chamber 17 as by screws 32 is a bracket bearing and loosely engaging this hearing by means of knife edged l'iearings 34. is a lever {.5 shown in detail in Fig. Adjustably mounted on the lever 35 is a screw 36 the lower end 37 of which projects through the lever and is concaved to register with aml form a bearing for the spherical end 31 of the water valve strut 25. The lever 35 has therein an opein ing 38, through which as shown in Fig. 2 the strut 25 is adapted to protrude during operation of. the system. Also mounted within the chamber 17 as by screws 59 is a bracket bearing 40. l ioosely engaging the bracket 40 by knife bearings 4.1 is a bell crank lever 42. One arm 43 of said lever engages as by means of a toggle or link 44 the air valve 20. The other'arm 45 of the bell crank lever engages through toggles 46 and t7 the outer end of the lever 35. The arm 1-5 is loosely linked to the toggle 46 and the latter linked in the same manner tothe tog 4". The toggle 47 is not linked to the lever 35 but merely enga es the same as by a knife bearing 48. The toggle ll is loosely linked to the arm 43, but engages with the valve 20 in the same manner that thc. t;oggle (18 engages the lever 35. The toggle 46 engages at 49 the upper end 50 of a toggle post 51 se ured as by bolts 52 to the wall of the chamber 17. The normal position of the hell crank lever and toggles is that shown in Fig. 1. but as shown in Fig. 2 the operation of the air valve has caused the end 49 of the toggle "16 to pass the end 50 of the toggle post 51 with the result that the whole connection has collapsed. Within 'the chamber 17 and attached to-the face of the air valve 20 as by means of bolts 53 is a catch 5% adapted upon contact with the inner face of the valve seat or with any suitable projection to limit the outward movement or play of the valve 20.

To hold the lever 35 in the position shown in Fig. 2 a catch of any suitable design may be applied to the inside of the shield 7 or otherwise mounted in the chamber 17. Arrangement can also be made for holding the air valve 20 closed when the shield 7 is open as in setting. Such an arrangement might be a fastening device attached to the catch 5-1 and to the shield 7, or a pawl arranged to engage the catch 54 when the shield is opened and to be disengaged therefrom when the shield is closed.

()perationglhe valve having been set the normal position of its parts is that indicated in Fig. 1 from which it will be seen that the main valve 22, the check valve 18 and the air valve 20 are all closed, the passage 23 open,

the check valve 27 in the chamber 16 drain open, the gate valves 10 and 12 in the riser and water supply open and the gate valve 13 in the drain let closed. 'lhehand hole5 is securely closed and the shield 7 likewise closed. In this position leakage through the valve 22 from the water pipe into the chamber ,16 is taken care of by the drain 26, but if this is closed by failure of the check valve 27 to properly open the leakage drainage from the chamber 16 will be through the passage 23 into the chamber 17 and thence to drain 28. The chamber 15 is under the same pressure of the system but for the better priming and sealing of the valves 18 and 20 is normally tilled with water to the level indicated.

The valves 18, 20 and 21 are all here shown as of the same area or size, although this similarity is obviously unnecessary. The system of comnmnicating links and levers between the valves 20 and 22 is such that the air pressure normally in the system and acting against. the outer face ol the valve. 20 is sullicient to maintain the valve 22 closed against the water pressure in the supply mains. 'lhe leverage through the lever Elsi is such that a pressure ol 1 lb. on the air valve normaltv resists a pressure ol 9 lbs. on the water valve. Assuming the pressure in the water mains to be 9t) lbs. per square inch aml the area oi the water valve 22 to be 28.27 sq. in. the hydrostatic pressure exerted on the water valve and through the strut 25 to the lever would be 2544.3lbs.

and transferred through the tog les 47, 4,6, bell crank lever 4:2,togfgle .44- to air valve 20 to a pressure of 282.7-lbs. .I'This wouldrbe the pressure tending to open the valve 20 were there-no air pressure in the system. Assuming, however, .an. air; pressure of '30 lbs. per sq. in. in the system there would be exerted against the outer face of the valve 20 a pressure of 848.1 lbs. holding that valve to its seat against the pressureof 282.7'lbs. on the other'side- Reducin the air pressure in the system to 10 lbs. t 1e pressures on either side of the valve 20 balance and 'upon any further reduction of the system pressure the valve 20.1ope'ns. The amount of the opening of the valve 20-is restricted by the catch 54. i The epeningfhas been suf: fieient, howeveiyt-o cause the end 49 of the toggle 46 to slip over theen'd 5020f the toggle post 51. This causes the toggle connections to collapseas shown in Fig. 2 and-thelever being thus freed swings to the position shown in Fig. 2 under the influence of the ressure on the strut from the water valve. This movement of the lever 35 frees the end 3150f the strutfrom its seat 37 in the screw 36, and thus freed, the strut 25 passes freely up through the opening 36 in the lever to the position shown iin Fig- 2. "On upward movement of the strut/25 the water valve 22 is thrown wide open and the'upper face of said valve carrying as-it does the valve 24 seats .the latter to closethe opening 23 between the chambers 16 and 17. The water from thesup 1y pipe then rushing into the chamber 16 t rows open the check valve 18, simultaneously closes the check valve 27 in the chambert drain and passes upward through chamber, 15 to the riser.- Upon collapse of thetoggle connections the pressure remaining inthe system; Willordinarily be sufiicient to at oncefreclose the-valve 20. If, however, for any reason such as the simultaneous. opening of many sprinklers there not remain in the system sufficient air pressure to r'eseat the valve 20 this valve willbe immediately reseated by the water rushing through chamber 15 from the water supply. The valveis reset as follows: The gate valve 12 in' the water supply pipe is first closed and the valve 13in the-drain pipel t opened' unt'il all the waterin the system has been drained throughchamber l5gintddrain" 14; 'Thejvalv'e 1.3is then 'closedi?Hand hole cover 6 is then renioved and'the'ch'eck valve 18 lifted-to it's normalpositionf"The shield 7 is then removed, the airvalvef20 The chamber 151s .thenfilled through a tunnel with water'to the height-indicated in Fig. 1 and after'the inspected and seated.

'valve ilLsaid tunnel is closed air is pumped into the system to a pressure oi." from '30 to pipe partly opened. By a. suitable wrench the screw 36 is then turned down until the water valve 22 is tight. Thereupon the gate valve 12 in the supply system may be opened wide and strapped or locked and the shield '7 closed and locked.

To test the operation of the valve without passing water" to the system the gate valve 10 in the riser is closed and the valve 13 in the drain 14 opened. Upon operation of the device, as above described in connection with feed to the system, the water. from thesupply mains instead of passing tothe .ystem. would pass, instead through the. drain pipe 14.

Although I have described in detail a structure embodying my invention it is obvious that numerous changed may be made in such structure without involving adeparture from the true scope of the invention and the principles involved therein.

'It may occur when the water valve is open, as in Fig. 2, that the reduction in pressure may be such as to permit the water valve stem 25, and the upper end of the stem is reduced with an intermediate beveled shoulder 57. -'When the water-valve is closed, the dogs 55, do not touch the stem. Vhen the valve'is lifted, the shoulder 57, throws the dogs up, and they then bite on the enlarged portion of stem 25, and holil it lifted. In Fig. 7, spring-pressed pivoted pawls 58, co operate with ratchet-grooves 59, on stem 25, for the same purpose. When the shield 7, is opened, the dogs 55, or pawls 58, are released by hand from the stem 25, and the water-valve closes by gravity. These parts are made of bronze or other non-corrosive metal.

I claim 1. In a sprinkling system, .a dry valve the system, asecond chamber tocomnmni eate with th atre; supply, a passage "between said first and se'cond chambers and a check valve in s'aid passage, a main valve between said second chamber and'the sui-f'" ply, said firstchamber having an openi' g therefrom and an air valve in said opening mounted to open inwardly into said first chamber, said air valve being closed both normally and during operation of the system, eonneetlons between said main and air valves by means of which, with one pressure Ill the system, said air valve maintains said main valve closed, and through which connections, upon a predeteriniiual variation of prising, a chamber in communication with the system and with the supply, a main valve between the supply and said chamber, an

air valve in connnunication with the system and maintained normally closed by the pressure in the system, connections between I said main and air valves comprising a strut the system and with the water supply, said chamber having an opening therefrom, an air valve in said opening mounted to open being closed both normally and during operation of the system, connections outside of on the main valve, a pivoted lever, an intermediate point of which is normally engaged by said strut, a bell crank lever, a toggle post. linked toggles, one of which normally engages said toggle post and one arm of said inwardly into said chamber, said air valve said chamber between said main valve and the external face or said air valve by means said air valve maintains said main valve closed, and through which connections, upon a. predetermined variation of that pressure, l he air valve is momentarily actuated by the bell crank lever, and another of which engages the t'ree end of said first named lever, and a joint between the other arm of said bell crank leveand the air valve, whereby movement oi. the main va,lve is communiof which, with one pressure in the system, i

catcd to the air valve.

(3. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve eomprising, a chamber in communication said first chamber having an opening therefrom and an air valve in said opening .mounted to open inwardly into said first chamber, said air valve being normally closed by the air pressure in the system. conneetions between said main and air valves by means of which said air valve maintains said main valve closed, and through which connections, upon a predetermined variation of that pressure, the air valve is momentarily actuated, said-connections being cou- 1 structed to break upon such actuation of the air valve to permit the main valve to open under the water pressure and the air valve to again close under the system air pressure.

4. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, a chamber to conununicate with the system, a second chamber to communicate with the water supply. a passage between said first and second chambers and a with the system and with the supply, a main valve between the supply and saidehaniber, an air valve in communication with the system and maintained normally closed by the pressure in'the system, connections between said main and air valves comprising a strut on the main val \'e, a pivoted lever, an intermediate point of which is normally engaged by said strut, a bell crank lever, a toggle post, linked toggles, one oi. which normally engages said toggle post and one arm of said bell crank lever. and another of which engages the tree end of said first naim d lever, and a joint between the other arm of said bell crank lever and the air alve, the engageiucnt ot' the strut and tirst named lever being such hat upon movement of the air valve. through the atorcraid connections, the strut is freed from the other connections and permits the main valve to open freely.

7. In a sprinkling system, a dry val comprising. a chamber in eonnnunicatiion with the system and with the supply, a main valve between the supply and said chamber, an air valve in communication with the sys tem and maintained normally closed by the pressure in the sy tem. connections between mediate point ol which is normally engaged check valve in said passage, a main valve between said second chambe and the supply, 1

saidjirst chamber having an opening th-erej from and an air valve in said opening mounted to open inwardly into said first;

chamber, means in connection with said air valve to actuate the same upon a predeter minedrelative variation of system and supply pressure, means normally maintaining said main valve tight but actuated upon movement of the air valve to release said I main valve entirely, said air valve being thereupon freed to be reseated by the system air pressure.

by said strut, a bell crank lever, a toggle post. l nked toggles. one of which normally engages said toggle post and one arm of said bell crank lever. and another of wh ch ongages the tree end of said first nalr 3.1 lever and a joint between the other arr-i of said bell crank lever and the air valve, the engagement ol said toggle post and toggle being broken upon movement. of the air valve, whereby the connections collapse.

8. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve, comprising a chamberin con'nnunication with the system and with the supply, a main valve between the supply and said chamber,

In a sprinkling system,a dry valve e0man air val in coinn'ninication with the systern and maintained normally closed by the ,pressure in the system. connections between said main and air valves comprising a strut on the main valve, a pivoted lever, an intermediate point of which is normally engaged by sald strut, a bell crank lever, a toggle post,,l1nked toggles, one of which normally engagcs said toggle post and one arm of said bell crank lever, and another of which engages the free end of said first named lever, and a joint between the other arm of said bell crank lever and the air valve, whereby the toggles collapse, and the engagement of said strut and lever being such that upon collapse of the toggles the strut 1's ireed from the lever and permits the main valve to open freely.

9. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, a chamber to communicate with the system, a second chamber to communicate .on the one hand with the supply and on the other hand with the first chamber, a

. third chamber always vented to the open air to communicate abnormally with, the first chamber and normally with the second chamber, a normally closed check valve between the first and second chambers, a normally closed main valve between the supply and the second chamber, a normally closed air valve between the first and third chambers and connections between said main andair valves through said second and third chambers.

10. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, a chamber to communicate with the system, a second chamber tocommunicats on the one hand with. the-supply and on the other hand with the first chamber, a third chamber to communicate on the one hand with the first chamber and on the other hand with the second chamber, a.

normally closed check valve betweensthe first and second. chambers, a normallyclosed main valve between the supply and the second chamber, a normally open fourth valve between the second and third chamhers, a normally closed air valve between the first and third chambers and connections between said main and air valves through said second and third chambers.

11. In a sprinkling system, a dryvalve comprising, a chamber to communicate with the system, a second chamber to communicate on the one hand with the supply and on the other hand with the first chamber, a third chamber to communicate on the one hand with the first chamber and on the other hand with the second chamber, a normally closed check valve between the first and second chambers, a normally closed main valve between the supply and the second chamber, a normally 0 en fourth valve between the second an third chambers, a normally closed air valve between the first and third chambers and connections between said main and air valves through said second and third chambers, the mam, the

air and the fourth valves being so connected that upon actuation of the air valve the main valve opens and the aforesaidfourth valve closes, and the check valve being free to open under water pressure after the opening of the main valve.

12. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, a chamber to communicate with the system, a second chamber to communicate on the one hand with the supplyand on the other hand with the first chamber, a third chamber to communicate abnormally with the first chamber and normally with the second chamber, a normally closed check valve between the first and second chambers, a normally closed main valvebetween the supply and the'second chamber, a normally closed air valve between the first and third chambers, connections between said main and air valves through said second and third chambers, open drains from said second and third chambers, and a normally open check valve adaptedto close the drain from the second chamber when the main valve isv open.

13. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, aehamber to communicate with the system, a second chamber tocommunr cate on the one hand with the supplyand on the other hand with the first chamber, a

third chamber to communicate on the one hand with the first chamber and on the other hand with the second chamber, a normally closed check valve between the first and second cha1nbcrs,a normally closed main valve between the supply and the second chamber, a normally closed air valve between the first and third chambers, connections between said main and air valves through said second and third chambers, and a normally open drain from said second chamber..

14. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, a chamber to communicate with the system, a second chamber to communicate on the one hand with the supply and on the other hand with the first chamber, a third chamber to communicate on the one hand with the first chamber and on the other hand with the second chamber, a normally closed check valve between the first and second chambers, a normally closed main valve between the supply and the second chamber, a normally closed air valve between the first and third chambers, connections between said main and air valves through said second and third chambers, a drain from said third chamber and a normally open drain from said sec'ond chamber.

15. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, a chamber to communicate with the system, a second chamber to commum cate on the one hand with the supply and on the other hand with the first chamber. a I

third chamber to communicate on the one hand with the tirst chamber and on the other hand with the second chamber, a normally closed check valve bet ween the first and second chambers, a normally closed main valve between the Stl])])l j and the second chamber, a normally closed air valve between the first and third chambers, connections between said main and air *alves through said second and third chambers, said third chamber having a movable cover to permit of access to said connections.

16. In a sprinkling system, a dr-yauvalve comprising, a chamber to eommuni "ate 'w ith, the system, a second chamber to communieate on the one hand with the supply and on the other hand With the first chamber, a third chamber to communicat on the one hand with the first chamber an on the other hand with the second chamber, a normally closed check valve between the first and second'ehambers, a normally closed main valve between the supply and the second chambers, a normally closed air *alve between the first and third chambers, a system of multiplying levers between said main and air valves whereby the different pressures on each may be balanced.

17. In a sprinkling system, a dry valve comprising, a chamber to communicate with the system and with the water supply. said chamber having an opening therefrom, an air valve closing said opening and mounted to open imvardly into said chamber, said air valve being closed both normally and during operation of the system, connections outside of said chamber between said main valves and the external face of said air valve, by means of which. with one pressure in the system, said air valve maintains said main valve closed, and through which connections, upon a variation of that pressure, the air 'alve is actuated by the main 'alve, and said main valve is wholly released.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRED A. PHELPS.

Witnesses: C. W. TYLER,

- A. W DiNsuoon. 

